Knockout Roses are a special breed of rose. Introduced in 1999, these roses are known for their exceptional resistance to disease and ability to withstand a wide variety of conditions. They require little attention from a gardener in order to produce wonderful results.

The Knockout Rose (or Knock Out Rose if you prefer) is a shrub that will grow just about anywhere. Proper Knockout Rose care requires planting in soil with a neutral pH balance (6.6-7.5), a thorough watering, and a location that lets them get a good amount of sun. It should be noted that Knock Out Roses are also quite shade tolerant and can flourish with as little as four hours of sun per day. They should be pruned early to promote new growth.

The flowers bloom in late spring to early summer. The shrubs grow to be about four feet high and three feet wide. Knockout Roses can also be trained as a tree form. These roses are resistant to black spot, mildew, and rust. In cooler weather, you can expect fire-engine red flowers, while the summer months bring a cherry red. The foliage is a dark, purplish green that turns to a beautiful burgundy in the fall. Knockout Roses do well in both a dry or humid environment. They show exemplary hardiness and are drought resistant.

Because roses in general are weak and quite disease prone, the Knockout Rose is a perfect choice for anybody having difficulty maintaining a healthy rose garden, or has been wishing for a virtually carefree rose bush.

Thanks to their resiliency and ability to grow with little tending, you can expect to find the Knockout rose appearing in many gardens across the country.